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The LNG tanker ETYFA-Prometheas is currently stationed in the Malacca Strait, Malaysia, undergoing technical inspections, according to Energy Minister George Papanastasiou. The ship, which departed Shanghai on December 14, has been anchored since Christmas Eve, where independent evaluators are assessing its condition.
Minister Papanastasiou explained that the choice of Malaysia for the evaluations was strategic, citing the availability of “more professional and extensive services” there. The inspections are a crucial step for ensuring the vessel’s readiness as part of Cyprus' evolving energy infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the Minister addressed another pressing energy issue: Cyprus' potential participation in the share capital of the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), a project linking Cyprus, Greece, and Israel through a subsea electricity cable. Papanastasiou had sent a detailed 10-page letter to Greek Environment and Energy Minister Theodoros Skylakakis earlier in December, outlining the Cyprus government's advisors' comments on the matter.
As of now, no response has been received from Greece, but Papanastasiou emphasized that while the Greek Minister's input will significantly influence Cyprus' final decision, it will not be the sole determinant.
The government is expected to weigh multiple factors before making its decision, reflecting its commitment to advancing the nation’s energy independence while fostering regional cooperation.
With both the LNG tanker evaluation and the GSI project at pivotal stages, these developments underscore Cyprus' efforts to secure its place in the energy sector and strengthen its ties with neighboring countries.
With information from CNA
